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Homemade Cleaning Solutions that Are Very Cheap to Make

I honestly believe that we can improve our lives by creating a non-toxic environment around us, as much as possible. While we cannot do much about the pollutants outside the house, we can definitely do something about our lives indoors and how our homes are organized and kept clean. When it comes to cleaning, the main problem is that chemical cleaners can be very toxic for the human body, and, therefore, not such a great idea. To satisfy my need for a clean, germ free home, but without paying the price of exposing myself and my pets to toxic compounds, I decided to make my own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients that anyone may have in their homes.

Here is what I use for cleaning windows and mirrors. I make a mix from 8 parts water, 2 parts vinegar and 1 part rubbing alcohol. This solution works like a charm to make all the windows and mirrors in my home sparkling clean. If you also want to have your home smell nicely, besides fresh, you can add 1 or 2 drops of the essential oil of your choosing. I prefer lemon for its citrusy smell I simply love.

I want to include here an all purpose cleaner, since everyone needs one of these. The recipe for this one is even simpler than the solution for windows I described earlier. For my all purpose cleaner, I dissolve 4 spoons of baking soda in warm water. Just pour the solution on a sponge and clean the surfaces that need cleaning, such as counters, kitchen appliances, the inside of your fridge and the like. Everything will be clean and germ free, and you will save money you would otherwise spend on expensive chemical cleaners.

Another cleaner I use at home is homemade soap. I prefer this to commercial soap, because it contains no petroleum distillates that are dangerous for your health. I make my own soap from lye, natural oils and herbs. Although you must know that lye is caustic and it is important to use protection when manipulating it, through saponification, a process during which lye interacts with the natural oils in order to form soap, the lye is neutralized and you don’t have to worry about it damaging your skin. Natural made soap can be used for washing yourself, for washing clothes, and even for washing pets. It is a far less toxic solution and it will help you keep everything and everyone clean.

For cleaning cookware, I use a solution made from coarse salt and lemon juice. I spread some lemon juice on salt placed inside a flat container, then, with a scrub, I take from it and spread over the cookware, cleaning it like I would normally do. Even stuck food does not have a chance against this homemade cleaning solution.